A typical day at Nessa's

We believe that routine is important for children to feel secure in their environment. Our routine is flexible enough to fit around parents' needs, outings and day-to-day events.

8.00 am: Children arrive and settle in. Breakfast, if required.

8.45 am: Older children are dropped off at school.

9.15 am: Structured morning activity. This will include arts and crafts, play dough, building blocks, shape-sorting, matching games, jigsaws, and music.

10.30 am: Snack-time. Fresh fruit, bread sticks, rice cakes, carrot and cucumber sticks. Drinks are available at all times.

11.00 am: Independent play. We have a variety of resources, including role-play, dolls, prams, kitchen, shop, garage, and small-world toys. In the garden we have ball games, a sand and water table, big sit-on toys, slide, play tent and tunnel.

12.00 pm: Lunchtime.

1.00 pm: Trip to the park, play group or shops.

2.00 pm: Quiet time. Looking at books, stories, drawing. Nap, if required.

2.30 pm: Outside play or baking.

3.15 pm: Collect children from school.

4.00 pm: After-school snack or hot meal, if required.

4.30 pm: Computer, tv, homework, free-play.

5.00 pm - 6.00 pm: Hometime.

Sing along with 'Nessa

And the nominees for the 2010 Brit Awards are: (from left) Jack, Aaron, Jenny, Jaime and Ashton.

Early childhood is an important time when it comes to musical development. Children who sing or play music regularly, perform better at reading and maths when they begin primary school.

Playing, singing and dancing to music is not only enormous fun but it increases both fine and gross motor skills and helps develop hand-eye coordination. Those actively involved in music also tend to have high self-esteem, are better at expressing themselves, and forming relationships with others.

Artists at work

Ashton and Jack showing Damien Hirst how it should be done.

Introducing your child to art can play a pivotal role in your child's development. Art can help develop a child's creativity, imagination, cognitive skills, problem-solving abilities, fine motor skills, and much more. Children who regularly participate in creative activities are more likely to excel at school. Art also helps build self-esteem as children take pride in the works they create.

Down on the farm

Jack at the controls of a tractor with Ashton beside him

Situated on Bidston Hill, the Tam O'Shanter historic cottage and urban farm is run by a charitable trust with the aim of providing an enjoyable and educational experience for all.

It is home to a variety of farm animals, including pigs, sheep, goats, chickens and geese. It's a great opportunity for children of all ages to meet and learn about farm animals up close.

The farm is open every day from 9.30am to 4.30 and entry is free, though donations are very welcome.

Swine Flu

How will infection control be managed and maintained during an outbreak?

If children become ill with flu-like symptoms, such as fever, lethargy, cough, runny nose, headache, vomiting or diarrhoea, parents will be asked to keep them at home and to seek medical advice.

If anyone in the setting has contracted swine flu, parents will be informed and asked to keep their children at home and seek medical advice.

Measures will be taken to reduce the risk of transmission, such as sneezing into tissues, proper disposal of the tissues, and hand washing. Antibacterial wipes will be used to clean surfaces and toys.

Will the setting close or stay open during a pandemic?

If any adult in the setting contracts swine flu, the setting will be closed, medical advice will be sought, and the setting will re-open only when all the symptoms have gone.

We will continue to seek information and advice from the Health & Safety Officer and Sure Start.

Check your symptoms, using the NHS Direct flu symptom checker